Solar collector

Abstract

A stationary solar heat collector includes a reflector having a substantially upwardly facing concave reflective surface and an absorber tube supported relative to the reflective surface for receiving reflected sunrays therefrom. The reflective surface is defined in cross-section by first, second and third semi-parabolic curves arranged in generally end-to-end relation, thereby to define a generally C-shape. The reflective surface may be of a shape generated by moving the curves along a line perpendicular to the plane of the curves or approximately of a shape generated by rotating the curves about the free end of the first curve.

I claim: 
     
       1. A stationary solar heat collector comprising, a reflector including a substantially upwardly facing concave reflective surface,   an absorber tube,   means for supporting said absorber tube relative to said reflective surface for receiving reflected sunrays therefrom,   said reflective surface being defined in cross-section by first, second and third semi-parabolic curves arranged in generally end-to-end relation,   said second curve being interposed between said first and third curves, said first and third curves each including a free end and an opposite end situated adjacent a respective end of said second curve,   said first and second curves being disposed in generally upwardly facing relation and said third curve being disposed in generally downwardly facing relation, said absorber tube being positioned below at least an upper portion of said third curve,   said first, second and third semi-parabolic curves each being generally centrally intersected by the respective axis of symmetry therefor,   said first curve being oriented such that the axis of symmetry thereof is inclined upwardly and toward said third curve, and   said second curve being oriented such that the axis of symmetry thereof is inclined upwardly and toward said first curve.   
     
     
       2. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein said first curve is oriented such that the included angle between the axis of symmetry thereof and a horizontal plane extended toward said second curve is between 50° and 70°. 
     
     
       3. The solar collector of claim 2 wherein said included angle is approximately equal to 60°. 
     
     
       4. The solar collector of claim 2 wherein tangents to the adjacent ends of said first and second curves are inclined between 9° and 19° relative to one another. 
     
     
       5. The solar collector of claim 4 wherein tangents of the adjacent ends of said first and second curves are inclined approximately 14° relative to one another. 
     
     
       6. The solar collector of claim 2 wherein tangents to the adjacent ends of said second and third curves are inclined between 22° and 32° relative to one another. 
     
     
       7. The solar collector of claim 6 wherein tangents to the adjacent ends of said first and second curves are inclined approximately 27° relative to one another. 
     
     
       8. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein said first curve is approximately defined by the equation Y=X 2  /110.25 wherein Y is greater than or equal to approximately 0 and less than or equal to approximately 12. 
     
     
       9. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein said second curve is approximately defined by the equation Y=X 2  /112 wherein Y is greater than or equal to approximately 0 and less than or equal to approximately 4.5. 
     
     
       10. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein said third curve is approximately defined by the equation Y=X 2  /50 wherein Y is greater than or equal to approximately 0 and less than or equal to approximately 20. 
     
     
       11. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein the axis of symmetry of said second curve intersects said third curve adjacent the free end thereof. 
     
     
       12. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein said absorber tube is supported at a position intersected by the focal point arc of said third curve. 
     
     
       13. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein the free end of said first curve is disposed below the absorber tube whereby horizontal rays may strike said absorber tube directly. 
     
     
       14. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein said reflective surface is generally of a shape generated by moving said curves along a line perpendicular to the plane of said curves. 
     
     
       15. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein said reflective surface is generally of a shape generated by rotating said curves about the free end of said first curve.